Large Intestine Removal

[iAmanda]

Has anyone ever had their entire large intestine removed? Doctors are planning to remove mine, and rehook the end of the small intestine to the rectum. I suffer from colonic inertia. Whats life like without a large intestine? Will I lose a lot of weight, will I have to change my diet around? Any details would be helpful. So far I know that I'll be going to the bathroom a lot.

And for curiosity, I'm 18 -- so I'm quite young.

[ng1031]

This is my story which sounds similiar to yours.. did you end up having the surgery??

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Undiagnosed-Symptoms/Undiagnosed-Digestive-Issues/show/1739309?personal_page_id=2196886

[sbear67]

Hello I'm trying to make a decission to have my entire colon removed because of Diverticalitcs. So did you have surgery? If you did how are feeling? My wife and I are sad but she says I should go ahead and have the surgery. Also I'm scared I'm 45 overwieght and diabetic (type2) any suggestions? My name is Shannon

[WisconsinFarmGirl]

I had mine removed in 2002 due to slow transit caused by nerve damage in my spine. I actually felt much better after the surgery. I live in rural area and we drove to the big university hospital instead of having it done at our local hospital. I am very thankful that I did because a few years ago I had a bowel obstruction (no more bagels for me) and the surgeon not only wanted to operate but to give me a colostomy. I don't have one now. I have a straight line from stomach to small bowel. We had a yelling match in my hospital room because I wouldn't let him do the surgery. I've had a couple of bowel obstructions since, and with an ng tube and a couple of days they resolve themselves. I was 32 and a newlywed when I had my bowel removed. My system swings back and forth. I go 3 or 4 times a day, then not for 2 days. I just chew really, really well and watch what I eat. I do have to really watch to make sure I get enough fluids. I walk marathons and get deyhdrated really easily. Overall, I'm glad I had the surgery but would advise shopping around for a good doctor. My quality of life is better now than it was before.
Oh, I had a major open procedure. Bikini line incision that went more than half way around my body and a verticle almost to my sternum. I'm prone to hernias, but really no huge or terrible effects from it. It's major surgery, but after the 3rd day you'll feel much better. I'd had over 12 major abdominal surgeries prior to this one, and it really wasn't any worse than when I had my gallbladder out.

[LeonsDad19]

im Very sorry To hear that about your grandchild. and i really hope the child is okay. im on this site because my son had his entire large bowel removed and half  of his small intestine. I also am looking for a transplant for my son please god. How i came accross this site i typed into the computer  can i give my son my large intestine. my son is now 2 he has a stoma. i feel for you and the child i honestly do. I dont mean to be bleak but bowel transplant is very tricky and infections can happen that is why i am wondering can my son have mine since i am his father. you are right they are lucky to have some small or large intestine at all. two and a half years ago i myself was diagnosed with M S i have the mildest form thank god but when i first found out i was miserable tought i was finished then my son was born with a problem he had surgery at 3 weeks old. all my problems went out the window watching him i forgot i had anything at all. Its weird i think i convinced myself to stay strong for him. may your grandchild have the very best of luck i him or her the best. my son is lucky to even have half a small intestine. take care may there be something around the corner.

[litho14P]

My daughter had her large intestine removed last year in the Summer of 2011.  She had an ostomy bag ( which she dealt with very well) for about 2 months.  She was eleven when she had all three surgeries.  Since her takedown she initially had to be admitted back into the hospital due to scar tissue which caused a blockage--very scary.  She was better within a week and since has been doing really well.  I need to add that she did have a Prolaspe Pouch but her surgeon did not seem to be too concerned about this and it happened only one time since.  She goes to the bathroom about five times a day and it's just become part of her life.  She is playing soccer again and enjoying school.  She is such a smart little girl and I know someday this happened for a reason and she is going to do something great with what she has experienced.  

[dornoch]

Hi. I am sitting here crying as this is the most positive thing I have read so far.
My Dr says I am running out of options so surgery is looming in the not too distant future..I am very scared.
Thank you for the advice and positive comments